How Lani Hall Became Lead Singer for Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
This is for all you Lani Hall fans. Taken from the PBS documentary "Sergio Mendes in the Key of Joy” • Sergio Mendes in the K...
Brasil'66 top musicians (Jose Soares, Joao Palma, then Tiao Neto, Rubens Bassini, Dom Um Romao)were all Brazilian, with the exception of American bassist Bob Matthews.
The combo vocalists ( Lani Hall, Janis Hansen, Karen Philipp) were all American with the exception of Brazilian Bibi Vogel (pictured here with Lani Hall on the B&W photos), in the beginning of Brasil'66, before she left, replaced by Janis Hansen.
At 10:45, I think the lady who is talking is Geri Stevens, vocalist in Brasil'77, aka Dodie Stevens
who had a top Ten hit in 1959, at the age of....12! (Thank you Daniel Doan for submitting this)
talented musicians; Bob Matthews, José Soares, João Palma, Do Um Romão, Rubens Bassini, and Sebastião Neto....and the leader Sergio Mendes. Janis Hansen
from Wiki:
Brasil '66
Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66
All of Mendes' jazz albums for Atlantic Records, through Nesuhi and Ahmet Ertegun, had low sales. Richard Adler suggested that Mendes and the group sing in English, as well as Portuguese as Mendes had demanded, and Adler sought new English-based material such as "Goin' Out of My Head" by Teddy Randazzo and Bobby Weinstein. In order to sing these songs properly in English, Adler suggested that the group find two American girl singers who would sing in both English and Portuguese. Adler called his friend Jerry Dennon and A&M Records founders Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, and arranged for an audition for Mendes' new group, which was dubbed "Brasil '66.'" Alpert and Moss signed Mendes and his group to A&M Records.[3] Adler then went to the Ertegun Brothers at Atlantic Records and sought to have them release Mendes from his Atlantic Jazz contract. Ahmet agreed to allow him to record albums under the name "Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66" with A&M. Mendes was not at this meeting, only Adler and Ahmet Ertegun. Alpert took over as producer for the A&M albums, and the group became a huge success with their first single, "Mas que Nada", by writer Jorge Ben.
The first album on A&M was Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, an album that went platinum based largely on the success of the single "Mas que Nada" (a Jorge Ben cover) and the personal support of Alpert, with whom Mendes toured.
The original lineup of Brasil '66 was Mendes (piano), vocalists Lani Hall (later Alpert's wife) and Sylvia Dulce Kleiner (Bibi Vogel) (1942 - 2004), Bob Matthews (bass), José Soares (percussion) and João Palma (1943 - 2016) (drums). John Pisano (1931 - ) played guitar. This new line-up then recorded two more albums between 1966 and 1968 (including the best-selling Look Around LP), before there was a major personnel change for their fourth album Fool on the Hill.[1]
Mendes often changed the lineup. Vocalist Kleiner (Bibi Vogel) was replaced by Janis Hansen, who in turn was replaced by Karen Philipp. Veteran drummer Dom Um Romão teamed with Rubens Bassini to assume percussionist duties. Claudio Slon joined the group as drummer in 1969, and went on to play with Mendes for nearly a decade. Sebastião Neto took over on bass and Oscar Castro-Neves took on guitar. These changes gave the group a more orchestral sound than before. In the early 1970s, lead singer Hall pursued a solo career and became Alpert's second wife.[1] Some accounts claim that Mendes was upset with Alpert for years for "stealing" Hall away from his group.
Though his early singles with Brasil '66 (most notably "Mas que Nada") met with some success, Mendes really burst into mainstream prominence when he performed the Oscar-nominated "The Look of Love" on the Academy Awards telecast in April 1968. Brasil '66's version of the song quickly shot into the top 10,[3] peaking at No. 4[4] and eclipsing Dusty Springfield's version from the soundtrack of the movie Casino Royale. Mendes spent the rest of 1968 enjoying consecutive top 10 and top 20 hits with his follow-up singles "The Fool on the Hill" and "Scarborough Fair".[3] From 1968 on, Mendes was arguably the biggest Brazilian star in the world[1] and enjoyed immense popularity worldwide, performing in venues as varied as stadium arenas and the White House, where he gave concerts for presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.[1] The Brasil '66 group appeared at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan in June 1970.
Пікірлер: 312
She does and did sing so beautifully that was beyond heavenly,! I love her voice even still today in 2023!😘 who else agrees?
@noelstephenson4031
Жыл бұрын
Well said Karol M. I fully agree!
@paulrneedles9078
Жыл бұрын
absolutely....
@riabouma9317
Жыл бұрын
Do agree too!! Loved the song from the beginning in 66!!
@steveperry1344
Жыл бұрын
her voice was so well suited for the music.
@JohnFMoore
11 ай бұрын
I saw her perform with Herb Albert last week in Portsmouth, NH and she was terrific!
If you ever find yourself in a bad mood play some Brazil 66, instant mood lift!
I never get tired of listening to Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
me neither
@jorgemendes6018
10 ай бұрын
@@intothewoods_daveMendes. Mendez with Z is spanish surname. He is Mendes and Brazilian like me
@user-dd9vk8hi5r
9 ай бұрын
Sergio can take other peoples songs and make them his own, make them better.
@Nichilistaiconoclasta
8 ай бұрын
@@jorgemendes6018tudo bem?:-)
Lani Hall is a gift from God
@intothewoods_dave
9 ай бұрын
Truth
This group gave me chills when I was a little girl, and now at 64, it still does. I knew nothing about the band, I didn't know the lead singer married Herb Alpert!!!
Thank you for this. I was a teen in the 60s. My Dad had Sergio Mendes playing all over the house with regularity. I fell in love with that voice. To this day, every time I hear Lani, it brings joy my Heart. My eyes start tearing. That voice is a slice of Heaven. I would not trade that experience for a million.
Man it would've been a crime if Lani was never discovered by _someone_ . I wholeheartedly share her gratitude that Sergio snatched her up and presented her gift to the world ✨ To this day I've not heard another voice quite like Lani's which moves me in the same magical ways. Whenever someone else covers one of her hits I have to quick go cleanse my palette and listen to Lani do it lol 🥰
I'm 68 now. I was barely 11 years old when Brasil66 came to the musical scene. I fell totally in love with their sound, their totally unique sound. I slowly purchased every Album after that. Amazing Vinyls... Adding Dom Um Romao was a masterful stroke. Eventually, Dom left to play with Weather Report, much later. I will always love Sergio and his Band. They're part of the musical baclground of my life...
@Whatt787
9 ай бұрын
Same age as you, been listening to Brasil '66 and Lani Hall since 1975
She has such a beautiful, cool voice. I can listen to her all day. Fool on a Hill...
@intothewoods_dave
9 ай бұрын
“The man with the foolish grin is keeping PERFECTLY STILL!”
@l.w.paradis2108
8 ай бұрын
YES
@l.w.paradis2108
8 ай бұрын
Unforgettable
I remember very well the first time I heard Brazil 66. The song was Mas Que Nada and even though I couldn't understand a single word the passion of that bands sound flowed out and took over the room. The only problem was it was just too short. I wanted to hear it again immediately and I called the local radio station that played it and made my request. When I told the receptionist I wanted to hear it again her response was, "Yes, you and a hundred other people." The station played it again about 15 minutes later and the effect was just as entrancing and powerful as it was the first time. The way they brought Latin music combined with light jazz and a touch of the blues together along with the perfect harmonies was riveting. I started to listen for more Latin vibes and although there were not many, there were a few. Whether you choose to believe it or not I honestly believe that they help pave the way for Carlos Santana who took Latin to a completely new level. I'm in my 70's these days but my blood still rushes every time I hear that first " O aria raio oba oba oba" and it's still as fresh and new and exciting today as it was then.
@intothewoods_dave
11 ай бұрын
Loved this story. thank you
@garyaugustus690
9 ай бұрын
You should listen to Al Jarreau's rendition...
All these years, (about 50🤫) I would have said that Sergio & Brazil 66 were all from Brazil. I’m glad to have finally learned that a major facet of their vocal sound was from Chicago. Who wouldn’t be bummed about Lani leaving their hit making group? Well Sergio, at least you know that the relationship she left the band for definitely worked out. 👩❤️💋👨❤
Those were the days… Such great singers in that genera of Brazilian jazz… Lani Hall, Astrid Gilberto, Wanda de Sah ! Incredible fusion ! Some of the best music on the planet… I was 6 7 8 years old then…I am still moved by the energy Brazil 65-67 created, now at 63 in 2022!
@herryblackstudio
Жыл бұрын
🙏🙏❤️💐🙏🙏
One of the best bands to ever come along. SM&B66 version of Fool on the Hill is still the most remembered version ever produced. I'm 73 and grew up when they were being played and I still find myself humming their tunes.
@georgew2014
8 ай бұрын
Paul McCartney has said he prefers their version over his original.
As a singer and director of a chorus I am always mindful that if two voices, even if each is beautiful, don’t match you will never get a good sound. These two female voices sounded as though they were 1 person. Just fantastic! They have always amazed me, even as a child in the 60s.
Omg I’ve always loved Lani’s voice. It was so dreamy, understated, and utterly oozed cool. I used to think she could turn any room into a smoky haze just with her voice.
So happy to hear that Lani and Herb married and still going strong. It’s also refreshing to hear a MAN say; his marriage is the best decision he made!
One of the greatest voices of all time.
@herryblackstudio
Жыл бұрын
🙏🙏❤️🌺🙏🙏
@johncramer9803
Жыл бұрын
Agreed!
Yes, a combination of their unique sound arrangements and Lani's captivating voice. I still find her voice captivating.
Lani Hall is one amazing talent in the music industry in America her voice is incomparable thank you for this I love Brasil 66 and 77 until now
"Look Around" is STILL one my totally all-time favorite albums, and the title song is one of my all-time favorite songs.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
That is a fantastic song. Daytripper, Aqua de Beber… sublime
@Whatt787
9 ай бұрын
Look Around is a fantastic song
@tinydancer62
3 ай бұрын
It is a fantastic song.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 was one of the most original instrumental -vocal groups that existed, especially in the 60s. It's now a jazz legend.
@LUIS-ox1bv
9 ай бұрын
The music has age very well, thank you. Compare this with what is on the airwaves today. Regression is real.
That voice is iconic.♥
Segio Mendes is a HERO! I'm surprised to learn more about his story. 💚💛 A true national Brazilian treasure.😊
Lani is awesome ❤
Most part of my life listening and enjoying Sergio Mendez & Brazil 66. The voice of Lani Hall, beautiful
@Whatt787
9 ай бұрын
Lani Hall's singing voice is unmatched
Ms Hall has the best voice of all time. It’s an honor to listen to that talented voice
@Whatt787
9 ай бұрын
I totally agree, Lani Hall 's singing voice is unreal
My favorite female singer. I have listened and been enthralled by Brasil 66 who I was introduced to in 1973 at 16.
The phrasing on "Fool on the hill"..so perfect, how certain words are accented ..wow.! Thanks for video.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
Totally, the accents were really really big with their arrangements
@halrichard1969
9 ай бұрын
Lani just tears me up with Night and Day. Her solo on the Bridge at 1:18 to around 1:33 just gobbles me up every dam time. An Angel singing in my Ears.
Janis Hansen is the other girl. Lovely voice too.
Great music lasts forever ! Many thanks to the entire team for making this brain-child and storm of Brazilian, jazz, pop music, from the creative searchings of Sergio Mendes !
She has a beautiful voice and so smooth. Her singing is effortless. Beautiful musician. My husband introduced me to Sergio Mendes’ music and now my 3 sons and I all love the old recordings.
@Whatt787
9 ай бұрын
Totally agree
I will love Samba music forever, thanks to her voice.
Such brilliant art. Voice , instrument arrangements, sheer brilliance.
Besides the heavenly music, I love the knit dresses and bouffant long hairstyles. Bring it all back today!!🥰
@LUIS-ox1bv
9 ай бұрын
In terms of creativity, novelty and freshness, the 60s was an incredible period for popular music. Nothing today compares with it.
Oh! I'm still so in love with Lani. ❤
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
Aren't we all?
I grew up singing with sergio and 66. Lani is amazing. As a singer myself I adore this music so much.
I liked Wanda de Sah of Brasil 65 but Lani Hall really brought something extra to the group,such a great distinctive voice,she really lifted them to success IMO.I even used to think she was Brazilian !
Always been a huge fan of Sergio Mendes... Great talent....
I was 15 when I first heard SM&B66, and the group electrified me! The joy, the sparkle, the musical sophistication, the voices… it summed up the late 60’s for me, and I listen to it to this day. There’s no more beautiful ballad than “Like a Lover”.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
kzread.info/dash/bejne/p2iD3KuJZLCsodI.htmlsi=LRZip1Ugs8sIXYqz
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
Love that song too, my favorites are kzread.info/dash/bejne/m5p5srJth8_PgpM.html
@tiffsaver
10 ай бұрын
Loved that song, too. I loved SO MANY of their tunes...
@clarencebarnes2510
10 ай бұрын
i was the same age when my older brother played this album in late fall 1966 and I was hooked the rest of my life.
@The2Flyboys
9 ай бұрын
I had the exact same experience as you when I was 15, over 50 years ago. To this day, my two favorite songs of all time are Some Time Ago and Look Who's Mine.
Great story. Lani is a great singer and I have to admit she always caught the eye of this Canadian whenever Brazil 66 appeared on TV.
It's no wonder that Herb Alpert married her long ago and is STILL with her, currently touring!
The first time I heard her sing was a hit she had covering the Elton John song-“Come Down in Time” one of my favorite vocalists of all time.
So thrilled that I got to see them in New York’s Central Park way back in the day. I can still hear them in my head. How outrageously talented the group was.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
I'm jelly.
Die Musik dieser Gruppe hat mir sehr viel Freude bereitet. Kreativ, Rhythmisch einfach Phantastisch. Ich bin ein riesen Fan.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
(Translation: I really enjoyed the music of this group. Creative, rhythmically simply fantastic. I'm a huge fan."
Besides his musical talent, You can see on Sergio’s face how good of a person he is.
If I died and went to heaven - if there really was one and I was asked what would I like to do for eternity? I'd say I'd like to listen to Lani Hall singing - her tone, intonation, vibrato, sense of rhythm, is as near as I can describe it "Heavenly" !
Alwayed Loved This Band, Lani Has A Beautiful Voice...
genius.............................................. thanks Sergo & Brazil 66!
Omg I grew up listening to Sergio, I learned how to dance listening to them ❤
I appreciate Brazil 66’s music more today than yesterday.
A&M records produced an incredible amount of the great soundtrack of my youth. Bravo to all!🎶🎶🎶😁🎶🎶🎶 Play On
Sergio's style is one of kind, fantastic musicians and singers, simply sublime!💗💋😉😊
I have loved Sergio and the group since their inception. The music has always brought great joy to me whether I understood the lyrics or not. It was a combination of melody, arrangement, harmonies and rhythm. They’ll always be with me…till I die. Joy and nothing but…
ever since the brasilian jazz hit the scene in the mid 60's i have been really taken with it. so light breezzy and swingy
The great Lani Hall very famous on the 80’s all over Latin America. She recorded with the best singers in that market. She made albums in Spanish and collaborations with legends like Roberto Carlos from Brasil, José José from México, Camilo Sesto from Spain and not least for last José Feliciano from Puerto Rico and the World. She even have her own hits without collaborations. We love her.
@gevran67
9 ай бұрын
No la olvidamos con esos duos que dejo grabados para el mercado de Hispanoamerica, le mandamos un saludo para la gran Lany Hall.
The clips and photos are so great in this video, a must see for all Sergio Mendes & Brazil ‘66, Lani Hall, and Herb Alpert fans! Thanks for this……..
Just Thank you!!!. So many memories and also so good music and History
What a wonderful story ..Always loved Brasi 66..Lani's voice is so lovely(both women were good) Talk about synchronicity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hearing their songs now still make you feel emotions you felt back then in the late sixties, early seventies when you first heard them. What a wonderful gift it is for something that can make you remember a feeling from long bygone time. My eternal gratitude and appreciation to you Sergio and Lani. 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤
I love listening till now Timeless
Absolutely among my All Time favorites. Thank you for the insight.
I was a kid in Youngstown and found a Brazil 66 album...I was maybe 12...I knew it was great and loved the band ever sense...Fool on the Hill is probably the most interesting song ever recorded...it carries me away...sooooo cool....
Lani is really really good!
Going on Thursday to Denver for an evening with Lani & Herb. All the way from Norway, looking forward to this.
I m still mezmerized. My father introduced his children 2 this awesomeness, 2 this culture. I am so grateful 2 that wonderful man n his wisdom...
The niceness and authenticity come across clearly in this clip. It is wonderful to see how comfortable they are all about their lives and their music.
She sings so pretty. You shine you do!
What a career she’s had! Herb has been extremely successful as well.
Lani created a magical world that's hard to describe- a better world--as did Bacharach and her husband.
When Summer Turns To Snow is my favorite of their songs and my favorite chord progression ever. Love this group!
Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 are one of my top 10 artists of all time. I've played their albums over and over and over. Ye-Me-Le is on one of my record players right now.
So glad I stumbled on to this interesting piece of musical history of a sound I remember so well from my youth.
I remember also Karen Philip, great duet with Lani Hall
I remember Brasil '66 as though it were only yesterday. I bought their first album and nearly played the grooves off it it, it was so undeniably great, so utterly listenable. It hit "just the right note" for the era, a sound as fresh as a rainforest. I believe than Lani was one of the most underrated female vocalists of all time, her voice and phrasing still as relevant, hip, and unique today as it was back in the "Swingin' Sixties." Of all their great songs, my favorite still remains "The Look of Love," and after hundreds of people have recorded it since, NONE have ever done it better, with "Mais Que Nada" the song that started it all. I listened to "So Many Stars" just now, and it sounded as though it were recorded only yesterday, with Lani's incredibly romantic voice once again taking me away on a lush bouquet of strings. Even though they recorded their first album a breathtaking 57-years ago, it is still timeless, still relevant. This group changed music forever, and will remain a part of my life for all time.
@intothewoods_dave
10 ай бұрын
Note: Sérgio Mendes' hit rendition on the Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66 album Look Around reached #4 on the pop charts after their performance in the Academy Awards telecast in April 1968. The lead vocal on this single was handled by Janis Hansen, not Lani Hall, a rarity in the early Brasil '66 canon.
@tiffsaver
10 ай бұрын
@@intothewoods_dave I only knew them when Karen Philipp was with the group. I am embarrassed to say that later I discovered that it was Lani who was the lead singer, not Karen!! She was so much taller that she tended to stand out compared the more diminutive Lani. And when they both same the same lyrics at the same time, I guess my mistake was perhaps a common one??
Thank you for uploading this great film Dave... That Bossa Nova/ Samba sound is such a balm for the heart and soul. An interesting and well told story.
Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66の、めちゃくちゃ古い映像。感動です。 Very old footage of Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66. I'm impressed.
My dad was a plant supervisor on a little island off the mainland in the Caribbean. I started spending time there as a kid for as long as I can remember. I would take the two hours boat ride to spend many weekends and summer vacations there. In the mid to late 60s, when I was between the ages of, say, six and nine years of age, Sergio Mendes and Brazil 65 & 66 were popular on the radio. His music always takes me back to those times of open ocean, boat rides, beaches, and fun times on a sunny island in the Caribbean. His and all the other popular music of that era definitely helped shape me into who I am today - I am blessed!
First heard them as a kid in NJ, really knocked out; then got the treat of actually traveling to Brazil in '68, & realized their music really encompassed the culture I found there. Fantastic.
Thank you so much for posting this. Great story, great talents. Forever changed the music landscape! Yeah, it's here to stay. Love it!
Wow wow, beautiful story Lani Hall and Sergio and Herb. My favorite band when I was growing up. Today I just learned how their music and lives evolved, after all these years and after watching this video. Thank you for uploading and sharing.
So lucky to have seen and listen to them for a private concert at Annabel's Club in London begining of the seventies, wonderful concert...
@intothewoods_dave
Жыл бұрын
Lucky
This video is filled with happiness and joy. I'm extremely grateful that there are no regrets expressed. Sergio Mendes understands and is happy for Lani Hall and Herb Alpert's serious relationship. Even though it meant losing one of Brazil '66 lead vocalists. Even today the happiness physically shows with the smiles on their faces.
Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 have some of my favorite music. I didn't know that Lani Hall is from Chicago. If the timeline is 1966, then that's really close to three other great female vocalists. Chaka Khan Minnie Riperton The Emotions - Pamela, Sheila, Wanda and Jeanette Hutchinson It still amazes me how many GREAT women vocalists started at the same time. In the same city.
@jameshayden2538
Жыл бұрын
Me too.... Lani Is From Chi-Town....Sergio And Brazil 66 Is What Brought Me To The Samba Sound...Incredible!!
Quite possibly the most beautiful voice ever… Lani Hall
One of my favourite bands along with The Beatles. Saw them once in autumn 73 at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester when they were 77 and promoting Love Music. Wonderful.
"I'll have to ask my mother." -Lani Hall
Absolutely superb!! Magnificent!
wow what a fantastic occurence of earths history brasil66 was . the percussions , sergio piano , lani voice created a WONDERFUL vibe . its like SOUL MEDICINE ! and sergio the cool civilized person at the core orchestrating this creation . and no doubt the great musician herb was of huge help .
Excellent! I have all their albums to this day!
beautiful really. She has done so much for Herb too.
i love this video, thanks for sharing it, hello lani
Her voice is iconic if you grew up in the 60s and your parents always had music playing in the house. I credit my deep love for bossa nova music to Sergio Mendez and Lani Hall. His music and her voice are etched into my soul.
Lani and Karen are so beautiful😍 thanks for the post 📫 ❤ my friend.😊
I couldn't concentrate on what I was playing having such beautiful ladies with such beautiful voices 🥰 I'd just melt
How fresh they were coming on the scene in the '60s. I was newly married, relocated to the east coast from the midwest and had the radio playing at my new job constantly for background. Brasil '66 was the symbol of fresh and new. Recalling "Night and Day" brought me here.
I was a child of the 60’s even at that young age I thoroughly enjoyed the sound and feel that SM&Brazil 66 and Herb Alpert brought into the world. It was the “sound” of the 60’s.
@LUIS-ox1bv
9 ай бұрын
It wasn't THE sound of the 60s, but a very popular one in a decade with many great and influential sounds.
Lani Hall, now Lani Hall Alpert, is not only 1of the greatest voices ever, she, Dame Shirley Bassey, Carley Simon and Gladys Knight are the best singers of James Bond theme music! My opinion!
Talent notices talent. Mendes made Jorge Ben's samba Mas Que Nada into an international hit.
I LOVED them !!! Still do.
Thank you, for the Memorys